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In this study, an appropriate visual scoring system for foot-pad dermatitis was validated, considering the histologically measured depth of the inflammation zone and the histopathological grade (no lesion, mild lesion, ulcer). The aim being to evaluate whether the visual, macroscopic scoring of foot-pad dermatitis can represent the histological, microscopic findings. Two hundred Ross 308 broiler chicken feet (birds aged 39-42 fattening days) were collected at a slaughterhouse and scored macroscopically according to a modified version of the Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Poultry. Afterwards, 200 histological slides (one per foot) were prepared, the extent of the inflammation measured and all slides scored by veterinarian pathologists using Michel et al's modified scheme. The statistical relationship between microscopic and macroscopic score and depth of inflammation were estimated via regression models. Increasing macroscopic score was found to be linked with an increase in microscopic score and the depth of inflammation. In particular, feet without lesions and feet with ulcers were identifiable using the macroscopic score. Macroscopic scoring of foot-pad dermatitis can mirror histological findings once certain limitations are taken into account (superficial lesions were not clearly identifiable). Foot-pad dermatitis is considered a useful indicator of animal welfare and our findings suggest that visual, macroscopic scoring could be a practicable assessment tool.

Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. It was the aim of this study to gain insight into the actual pecking behavior of laying hens kept on commercial farms with flock sizes common in practice. We observed aggressive pecking and SFP in non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed flocks of laying hens and investigated possible influencing factors. The study took place on eight conventional farms in Germany with aviaries, including three farms with a free range and a winter garden, one with a free range and one with a winter garden. Pecking behavior was observed during three observational periods (OPs): OP 1, at the peak of the laying period between the 28th and 33rd week of life, OP 2, in the middle of the laying period between the 42nd and 48th week of life, and OP 3, at the end of the laying period between the 63rd and 68th week of life in one laying period. Videos were analyzed using behavior sampling and continuous recording. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate differed significantly between the flocks. SFP correlated positively with the number of hens per square meter of usable area, with statistical significance in the litter area (r = 0.564, p = 0.045). The multivariate analysis revealed that access to a winter garden or free range significantly reduced the SFP rate on perches (p = 0.001). The stocking density (number of birds per usable square meter) had a significant influence on the SPF rate in the nest-box area (p = 0.001). The hybrid line had a significant effect on the SFP rate on perches and in the nest-box area (p = 0.001 each). Lohmann Brown hens in mixed flocks had a higher SFP rate (significant in OP 2) than those in homogeneous flocks, indicating that mixed flocks may be a risk factor for SFP. Lohmann Brown hens pecked significantly less than Dekalb White hens in the litter area (p = 0.010) and in the nest-box area (p = 0.025) and less than Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens in the litter area (p = 0.010). Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed increasing SFP rates during the laying period. All hybrid lines had significantly higher SFP rates in the litter area, followed by the nest-box area and perches. These findings emphasize the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. We found a significant positive correlation between aggressive pecking and SFP—in OP 1: rho (Spearman) = 0.580, p &lt, 0.001, OP 2: rho = 0.486, p = 0.002, and OP 3: rho = 0.482, p = 0.002 (n = 39) —indicating that SFP may lead to a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. In conclusion, our data suggest a positive influence of a lower stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range for additional space. The hybrid line had a significant influence on the feather-pecking rate on perches and the nest-box area. Aggressive pecking and severe feather pecking correlated positively. We assume that vigorous and painful AP were an additional stress factor, especially in non-beak-trimmed flocks, leading to more SFP in due course. Beak trimming had a reducing effect on SFP. However, our results showed that non-beak-trimmed flocks could be kept without major outbreaks of SFP.

For broiler genotypes to be merchandized under the animal welfare label of the German Animal Welfare Federation, several animal-based welfare indicators with upper limits are listed in a criteria catalog. We compared the prevalence of animal-based welfare indicators in 4 slow-growing broiler genotypes [Ranger Classic (RC), Ranger Gold (RG), Rowan Ranger (RoR), and Rambler Ranger (RaR)] in terms of potential approval of these genotypes for a German animal welfare label program. Chicks were housed in 16 floor pens, of which 8 had access to a winter garden. With 4 replications of each genotype, animal-based welfare indicators were assessed in 160 broilers (10 broilers per pen) on fattening days (FD) 36 and 44. The body weight of the 4 broiler genotypes differed on both examination days in decreasing order for RC, RG, RoR, and RaR (P < 0.001). The walking ability was within the scope of the animal welfare label in all genotypes; it was better in genotypes with a lower mean body weight and correlated positively with the body weight in RG, RoR, RaR, and in the pooled data of the 4 genotypes. Hock burns were only observed at a low severity score, with male broilers being affected more often than female broilers. A positive correlation of the development of hock burn with the weight of the broilers was observed on FD 44 when data of all genotypes were pooled. The footpads of all examined broilers were without lesions at both examinations. Skin scratches were observed in all genotypes at both examinations, and RC broilers differed on FD 36 from the other 3 genotypes by showing a higher prevalence of more severe scratches. Broilers of pens with access to a winter garden were affected by skin scratches more often than broilers without. With the exception of weight gain in 2 genotypes, the investigated indicators showed that all genotypes met the requirements of the animal welfare label.

The bioactivities of collagen-hydrolysates, sulfated glucosamine and a special fatty acid enriched dog-food were tested in a dog patient study as potential therapeutic treatment options in early osteoarthritis. Biophysical, biochemical, cell biological and molecular modeling methods support that these well-defined substances may act as effective nutraceuticals. Importantly, the applied collagen-hydrolysates as well as sulfated glucosamine residues from marine organisms were strongly supported by both an animal model and molecular modeling of intermolecular interactions. Molecular modeling of predicted interaction dynamics were evaluated for the receptor proteins MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5. These proteins play a prominent role in the maintenance of cartilage health as well as innate and adapted immunity. Nutraceuticals data were generated in a veterinary clinical study focusing on mobility and agility. Specifically, key clinical parameters were obtained from blood probes of German shepherd dogs with early osteoarthritis symptoms fed with collagen-hydrolysates or sulfated glucosamines. Collagen-hydrolysate, a chondroprotective food supplement was examined by high resolution NMR experiments. Molecular modeling simulations were used to further characterize the interaction potency of collagen-fragments and glucosamines with protein receptor structures. Potential beneficial effects of collagen-hydrolysates, sulfated glycans (i.e. sulfated glucosamine from crabs and mussels) and lipids, especially, eicosapentaenoic acid (extracted from fish oil) on biochemical and physiological processes are discussed here in the context of human and veterinary medicine.

The assessment of bird-based welfare indicators plays an important role in the evaluation of bird welfare. The aim of the study was to histologically validate a visual scoring system for hock burn in broilers and to detect threshold values of a visual score to define welfare-relevant alterations in terms of mild lesions or ulcers of the hock. We collected 200 hocks of 39- to 42-day-old Ross 308 broilers after the slaughter process. Each hock was scored visually ("macro scores" 0-4) and evaluated histologically ("micro scores" 0-3), with high scores representing more severe lesions. Although we found a tendency for higher micro scores with increasing macro scores, an exact allocation of macro to micro scores was not possible. For example, macro score 1 could represent micro scores 1, 2 and 3, whereas macro scores 3 and 4 always represented micro score 3 (ulcer). The conditional probability of certain micro scores for given macro scores was estimated using a multinomial logistic regression model. Ulcer showed the highest probability at macro score 1, whereas mild lesions were not found to have an estimated highest probability at any macro score. The depth of inflammation of hock burn lesions increased with increasing macro scores up to macro score 3 with an average depth of 1019 µm. Visually more severe and deeper lesions were also histologically rated with higher scores. Thus, considering limitations, the herein validated macroscopic assessment scheme for hock burn allows an estimation of histological alterations in hocks of broilers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP), here administered orally as PETAGILE® , on horses with mild to moderate, naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Data from a two-centred pilot study were used for the meta-analysis. Thirty-eight privately owned horses of various breeds were available. In one centre, 18 of these patients (6 ± 3 years; 519 ± 100 kg BW) received either 25 g (n = 6) or 50 g (n = 12) BCP/day orally for 12 weeks. In the second centre, 20 horses (18 ± 4 years; 413 ± 94 kg BW) received either a placebo (control; n = 10) or 25 g BCP/day. The attending veterinarians performed an orthopaedic examination including flexion tests and evaluated the degree of lameness, rotation pain, step length and arc of foot flight during trot (8 parameters) at the beginning and after 6 and 12 weeks. The horse owners answered a weekly questionnaire about their perception of lameness, mobility and the horses' willingness to run. In the 50 g BCP group, in six of eight parameters, a strong effect (Cohen's r > .5) was detected with two parameters (lameness and flexion pain) significantly improved already after 6 weeks. In the 25 g BCP group, a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .3-0.5) was seen in six parameters, with three parameters improved already after 6 weeks. The owners reported a strong effect for mobility and willingness to run (Cohen's r = .69 and .62, respectively) and a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .49 and 0.41) for the development of lameness in the 50 g and 25 g BCP group in comparison with the placebo treatment. This study revealed promising effects of the safe oral-specific BCP supplementation on symptoms of osteoarthritis in horses already after 3 months. The higher dosage of 50 g BCP/day had superior impact. Further long-term investigations on specific BCP efficacy in horses with osteoarthritis, preferably in blinded and placebo-controlled studies, should be performed to confirm these first positive results.

The housing conditions and environments experienced during the rearing period can influence the development of feather pecking in chickens during this time and in the subsequent laying period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a reduced stocking density and the provision of enrichment materials on the occurrence of feather pecking in hen chicks under commercial rearing conditions. Three groups, identical in age, laying strain, and management but kept with different stocking densities and varying availability of enrichment (pecking stone, pecking block, and lucerne bale), were observed. Group 1 had a high stocking density (22.9 animals per m 2 ) and no access to enrichment, group 2 had a lower stocking density (18.1 animals per m 2 ) plus enrichment, and group 3 had a high stocking density (22.9 animals per m 2 ) plus the same enrichment as group 2. Behavioral observations from video recordings were made on the occurrence of enrichment pecking, gentle feather pecking (GFP), severe feather pecking (SFP), and aggressive pecking. Furthermore, the influence of enrichment pecking on the occurrence of GFP, SFP, and aggressive pecking and the effect of SFP on the plumage condition were examined. The comparison of the 2 groups with enrichment demonstrated that the group with the higher stocking density showed a higher rate of SFP (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference: [0.001-0.015]). The comparison of the 2 groups with and without enrichment but with equal stocking densities showed that the group with access to enrichment had significantly lower rates of GFP (95% CI: −0.019 to −0.006), SFP (95% CI: −0.036 to −0.020), and aggressive pecking (95% CI: −0.004 to −0.001). The group with a combination of a lower stocking density and enrichment had significantly lower rates of GFP (95% CI: −0.022 to −0.009), SFP (95% CI: −0.044 to −0.028), and aggressive pecking (95% CI: −0.004 to −0.001) compared to the group with a high stocking density without enrichment. Additionally, the occurrence of enrichment pecking had a significantly reducing effect on the occurrence of GFP (95% CI: −0.046 to −0.031), SFP (95% CI: −0.030 to −0.016), and aggressive pecking (95% CI: −0.003 to −0.0003). Finally, a high rate of SFP had a deteriorating effect on the plumage condition (95% CI: −0.859 to −0.084). Thus, we conclude that a lower stocking density and the provision of enrichment, such as pecking stones, pecking blocks, and lucerne bales, can reduce the prevalence of feather pecking and aggressive pecking in laying hen chicks. The evaluation of the plumage condition can be a valid indicator of feather pecking.

Osteoarthritis belongs to the most common joint diseases in humans and animals and shows increased incidence in older patients. The bioactivities of collagen hydrolysates, sulfated glucosamine and a special fatty acid enriched dog-food were tested in a dog patient study of 52 dogs as potential therapeutic treatment options in early osteoarthritis. Biophysical, biochemical, cell biological and molecular modeling methods support that these well-defined substances may act as effective nutraceuticals. Importantly, the applied collagen hydrolysates as well as sulfated glucosamine residues from marine organisms were strongly supported by both an animal model and molecular modeling of intermolecular interactions. Molecular modeling of predicted interaction dynamics was evaluated for the receptor proteins MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5. These proteins play a prominent role in the maintenance of cartilage health as well as innate and adapted immunity. Nutraceutical data were generated in a veterinary clinical study focusing on mobility and agility. Specifically, key clinical parameter (MMP-3 and TIMP-1) were obtained from blood probes of German shepherd dogs with early osteoarthritis symptoms fed with collagen hydrolysates. Collagen hydrolysate, a chondroprotective food supplement was examined by high resolution NMR experiments. Molecular modeling simulations were used to further characterize the interaction potency of collagen fragments and glucosamines with protein receptor structures. Potential beneficial effects of collagen hydrolysates, sulfated glycans (i.e., sulfated glucosamine from crabs and mussels) and lipids, especially, eicosapentaenoic acid (extracted from fish oil) on biochemical and physiological processes are discussed here in the context of human and veterinary medicine.

In clinical trials over the past decade, the beneficial effect of orally administered collagen peptides in osteoarthritic dogs has been clearly demonstrated [1] [2] [3]. Although a statistically significant improvement in the lameness and vitality of dogs in general has been documented, the mode of action of the collagen peptide treatment is still under discussion. A previous study [3] indicated that the reduction in lameness and increased mobility in dogs after collagen peptide treatment were associated with a statistically significantly lowered plasma content of MMP-3, which is involved in collagen degradation. In addition, the content of the MMP-antagonist TIMP-1 increased slightly after collagen peptide supplementation, suggesting a direct impact on the cartilage metabolism, particularly on the decrease of extracellular matrix degradation. Based on these findings, the impact of specific collagen peptides (PETA-GILE?) on cartilage metabolism was tested in canine chondrocytes in the current investigation. In addition to the biosynthesis of various matrix molecules (type II collagen, aggrecan and elastin), the RNA profile of inflammatory cytokines and degenerative matrix molecules was investigated. The results showed clearly that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides reduced catabolic processes, as indicated by a statistically significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines and proteases in canine chondrocytes compared with untreated control experiments. In addition, a statistically significantly enhanced biosynthesis of type II collagen, elastin, and aggrecan was observed. Hence, the current data supports the suggested anti-inflammatory effect of specific collagen peptides, but also clearly demonstrates a pronounced stimulatory impact on matrix molecule synthesis. A combination of both observed effects might help to explain the previously reported clinical improvements after collagen peptide supplementation. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of the specific collagen peptides was also confirmed in case reports on osteoarthritic dogs that demonstrated decreased lameness and increased vitality in the affected animals after PETAGILE treatment.

The dust-bathing behavior of Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens was compared in 4 enriched colony housing systems and in an aviary system. The enriched colony housing systems differed especially in the alignment and division of the functional areas dust bath, nest, and perches. Forty-eight-hour video recordings were performed at 3 time-points during the laying period, and focal animal sampling and behavior sampling methods were used to analyze the dust-bathing behavior. Focal animal data included the relative fractions of dust-bathing hens overall, of hens bathing in the dust-bath area, and of those bathing on the wire floor throughout the day. Behavior data included the number of dust-bathing bouts within a predefined time range, the duration of 1 bout, the number of and reasons for interruptions, and the number of and reasons for the termination of dust-bathing bouts. Results showed that the average duration of dust bathing varied between the 4 enriched colony housing systems compared with the aviary system. The duration of dust-bathing bouts was shorter than reported under natural conditions. A positive correlation between dust-bathing activity and size of the dust-bath area was observed. Frequently, dust baths were interrupted and terminated by disturbing influences such as pecking by other hens. This was especially observed in the enriched colony housing systems. In none of the observed systems, neither in the enriched colony housing nor in the aviary system, were all of the observed dust baths terminated “normally.” Dust bathing behavior on the wire mesh rather than in the provided dust-bath area generally was observed at different frequencies in all enriched colony housing systems during all observation periods, but never in the aviary system. The size and design of the dust-bath area influenced the prevalence of dust-bathing behavior in that small and subdivided dust-bath areas reduced the number of dust-bathing bouts but increased the incidence of sham dust bathing on the wire mesh.

Conventional ‘battery’ cages for laying hens without perches, nests and litter areas have been banned by law throughout the European Union since 1 January 2012. As an alternative solution, enriched cage systems were introduced. Our aim was to investigate how many applications of litter substrate per day are necessary to motivate laying hens to perform dust bathing behaviour, and to what extent the hens use these offered litter areas in a species-appropriate manner. Each of the two consecutive experiments was conducted for 12 months, during which 20 (experiment 1) and 40 (experiment 2) laying hens of the strains Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Lohmann Brown Classic (LB) were housed in 10 units of the enriched cage system HÜK 125/80 (2 hens/unit [(experiment 1], 4 hens/unit [experiment 2], same strain per unit). In defined daily application frequencies from one to four times (11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.) over the laying period, 50g conventional feed per application were applied as litter substrate onto each 925cm2 sized mat. The hens were recorded weekly by digital video systems. Results showed that the mean duration of dust bathing behaviour lasted 05:58min in experiment 1 and 04:59min in experiment 2. Litter application frequency had a significant effect on the dust bathing duration as well in experiment 1 (P

In this study, the effects of environmental enrichment, stocking density, and microclimate on feather condition, skin injuries, and other health parameters were investigated. During 2 rearing periods (RP), non-beak-trimmed Lohmann Brown hybrid pullets were housed in an aviary system for rearing with cages and from week 5 of age onwards with access to a litter area. All pullets were reared in the same barn and under practical conditions. In total, 9,187 (RP 1) and 9,090 (RP 2) pullets were distributed in 9 units, and each unit was assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups (EG). In the control group (EG 1), the pullets were kept without environmental enrichment and at a commonly used stocking density (22 to 23 pullets per m²). Each unit of the 2 treatment groups was provided with 3 types of environmental enrichment simultaneously (pecking stones, pecking blocks, and lucerne bales), and the pullets were kept at a lower than usual (18 pullets per m²) (EG 2) or commonly used stocking density (EG 3). In each RP, the plumage condition, injuries and health of the pullets, and the microclimate of the housing system were examined 5 times. The statistical relationships of enrichment, stocking density, and microclimate with animal health were estimated via regression models. We found that the provision of environmental enrichment had a significant increasing effect on the plumage quality in week 17. Furthermore, significant relationships were found between several predictors (temperature in the housing system, dust concentration, and age of the pullets) and response variables (plumage condition, body injuries, head injuries, bodyweight, difference to the target weight and uniformity). The results of this study showed that increasing temperature in the housing system and increasing age of the pullets are significantly associated with the occurrence of feather damage and skin injuries during rearing. With stocking densities as high as we used (all > 17 pullets per m²), no significant positive effect of a reduced stocking density could be observed.

Harvesting of broilers is a stressful event, whether done mechanically or manually. The use of harvesting machines might compromise animal welfare less than manual harvesting methods because it is less influenced by environmental and flock-specific factors. In this paper, a mechanical and a manual harvesting method are compared in regard to stress-induced behavioural and physiological reactions. The stationary person test and the avoidance distance touch test were applied before harvesting to estimate pre-treatment fear of humans in the flocks. We then recorded the behaviour of the flocks during harvesting and evaluated stress-induced behaviour such as wing flapping and escape behaviour. Furthermore, we took blood samples at the abattoir and analysed the corticosterone concentration and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. In a statistical analysis, all assessed parameters were related to environmental and flock-specific factors, as well as to the risk of lesions such as haematomas and fractures. Our aim was to figure out if the use of a harvesting machine, in this case the Apollo Generation 2, puts less stress on broilers during harvesting than manual catching. The applied behaviour tests indicate the excitability and fear of humans of the flocks but are complex to interpret. Compared with mechanical harvesting, manual harvesting was more influenced by environmental and flock-specific factors such as average weight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.11; 2.22]) or catching duration (OR = 1.79; 95% CI [1.44; 2.19]). The results verified a correlation between stress-induced behaviour and the occurrence of lesions. The risk for haematomas was influenced by escape behaviour during manual harvesting (OR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.02; 1.13]) and by bumps against the containers (OR = 1.06; 95% CI [1.05; 1.07]) and flips (OR = 6.23; 95% CI [3.99; 9.27]) during mechanical harvesting. The risk for fractures during mechanical harvesting was influenced by the occurrence of flips (OR = 2.74; 95% CI [1.07; 5.67]). The risk for wing flapping was twice as high during manual harvesting as during mechanical harvesting (OR = 2.11; 95% CI [1.82; 2.44]). The blood parameters showed no correlations with the initial behaviour test results and the assessed stress-induced behaviour during harvesting. Corticosterone concentration was strongly influenced by light intensity (beta = 3.75; 95% CI [2.55; 4.95]) and outdoor temperature (beta = 46.34; 95% CI [39.18; 53.27]) during manual harvesting. The results showed weak points of both harvesting methods, and we offer suggestions to improve animal welfare during harvesting.

The aim of this observational study was to describe health- and management-related welfare indicators for a conventional broiler strain housed in 2 barn types (Louisiana barn and closed barn) on the same farm and to assess the impact of age and housing conditions on these indicators. Broilers were examined 4 times in each of 7 fattening periods. Their weight gain, gait score, and further animal-based indicators did not differ between the barn types. On average 46% showed no sign, 51% a minor but visible, and 3% a profound lameness at the end of the fattening period (fattening day 39). Soiling of the plumage, skin scratches, foot pad dermatitis, and hock burns worsened with increasing age. Soiling of the plumage was correlated negatively with litter depth (Pearson, r = −0.549, P = 0.042) and positively with litter quality (Pearson, r = 0.641, P = 0.013). Skin scratches occurred in 89% of the broilers (32% deep with penetration of dermis) on fattening day 39 and were correlated positively with cumulative mortality (Pearson, r = 0.615, P = 0.019), indicating a severe animal welfare impact. Foot pad dermatitis did not correlate with health- or management-related indicators, whereas hock burn correlated positively with the broilers’ weight (Pearson, r = 0.853, P < 0.001) and with ammonia concentrations (Pearson, r = 0.577, P = 0.031). Management-related indicators (antibiotic treatments, dead on arrival) and cumulative mortality did not differ between the barn types. At the end of the fattening period, the litter quality was worse and concentrations of ammonia and peaks of high carbon dioxide concentrations were higher in the Louisiana than in the closed barn. The light intensity was on average 20 times higher in the Louisiana than in the closed barn without any negative impact. Summarizing, the barn type did not seem to influence the investigated welfare indicators, but Louisiana barns might need a more precise management to maintain the required ranges of noxious gases and litter quality.

In July 2015, a German voluntary decree stipulated that the keeping of beak-trimmed laying hens after the 1st of January 2017 will no longer be permitted. Simultaneously, the present project was initiated to validate a newly developed prognostic tool for laying hen farmers to forecast, at the beginning of a laying period, the probability of future problems with feather pecking and cannibalism in their flock. For this purpose, we used a computer-based prognostic tool in form of a questionnaire that was easy and quick to complete and facilitated comparisons of different flocks. It contained various possible risk factors that were classified into 3 score categories (1 = "no need for action," 2 = "intermediate need for action," 3 = "instant need for action"). For the validation of this tool, 43 flocks of 41 farms were examined twice, at the beginning of the laying period (around the 20th wk of life) and around the 67th wk of life. At both visits, the designated investigators filled out the questionnaire and assessed the plumage condition and the skin lesions (as indicators of occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism) of 50 laying hens of each flock. The average prognostic score of the first visit was compared with the existence of feather pecking and cannibalism in each flock at the end of the laying period. The results showed that the prognostic score was negatively correlated with the plumage score (r = -0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-0.56; -0.02]) and positively correlated with the skin lesion score (r = 0.38; 95% CI: [0.09; 0.61]). These relationships demonstrate that a better prognostic score was associated with a better plumage and skin lesion score. After performing a principal component analysis on the single scores, we found that only 6 components are sufficient to obtain highly sensitive and specific prognostic results. Thus, the data of this analysis should be used for creating applicable software for use on laying hen farms.

Health issues like infestation with poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and behavioral problems such as feather pecking and cannibalism are reported as current problems on laying hen farms. However, the epidemiological prevalence of these issues in Bavaria, Germany, is not known. The objective of the present survey was to determine the epidemiological prevalence of health and behavioral parameters and the management of hen farms in practice. The survey was sent to all laying hen farmers with more than 1,000 hens in Bavaria, Germany, and contained questions regarding flock management, behavior problems and health issues. The response rate was 40.8% and surveys were answered regarding 293 individual flocks on 147 farms. Three-quarters (77.6%) of the respondents housed their hens under conventional conditions. Farming system had an influence (P ≤ 0.05) on several management measures and the hens' behavior. An infestation of the flocks with poultry red mite was stated in 65.7%, whereby a relationship existed with the farming system (P = 0.001) and the provision of an additional dust bath (P ≤ 0.001). The occurrence of feather pecking (18.5%) was related with the farming system (P = 0.001), the presence of roosters (P = 0.034), the locking of laying hens into the aviary (P = 0.006), not allowing access to the entire litter space after housing (P = 0.044) and nervous (P = 0.002) or chasing behavior (P ≤ 0.001) of laying hens. Similarly, cannibalism (15.0%) was related with locking hens into the aviary system (P ≤ 0.001) and not allowing access to the entire litter space (P = 0.026). According to these results, farmers should avoid locking the hens into the aviary or not allowing access to the entire litter space, because these measures relate to nervous behavior that may result in feather pecking or cannibalism. The provision of an additional dust bath is one of the management measures that can positively influence hens' health and behavior.

In the presented study, four slow growing broiler breeds were examined with the focus on animal-based welfare parameters. Results on litter quality, performance of fattening and slaughter yield of broilers were published in the first report (DAMME et al., 2015). For this investigation, unsexed chicks of the breeds Rowan Ranger, Hubbard JA 957, Hubbard JA 987 and Cobb Sasso 175 were housed at the Institute for Poultry Education and Applied Research in Kitzingen, Germany and fattened over a period of 42 days. At the end of the fattening period, animal-based welfare parameters were assessed in 50 broilers of each breed. The significantly best gait was performed by broilers of the breed Hubbard JA 957. About 52% of the assessed broilers of this breed showed a normal gait and 42% a mild inexplicit alteration. Even though, the broilers of the breeds Rowan Ranger and Cobb Sasso 175 were assessed with slightly inferior scores in the gait analysis, 90% of all assessed birds (score 0 or 1) coincided with the list of criteria for a livestock-appropriate housing and treatment of broilers in the scope of the animal welfare label issued by the German Animal Welfare Federation. This regulation defines that a maximum of 10% of broilers may be assessed with or may exceed the score 2 (DEUTSCHER TIERSCHUTZBUND, 2016). Broilers of the breed Hubbard JA 987 could not comply with the limit, because 26% of the examined broilers showed considerable deviations in the gait score analysis. A significant correlation was found between the gait score of the broiler and the weight, the soiling of plumage and the prevalence of hock burns. The food pads of the assessed broilers showed only isolated alterations. Lessions of the food pads were observed in 12% of the broilers of the breed Cobb Sasso 175. Thus, all breeds satisfy the list of criteria concerning food pad lessions of the animal welfare label by the German Animal Welfare Federation (DEUTSCHER TIERSCHUTZBUND, 2016). An apparent correlation between litter moisture and the prevalence of food pad alterations was observed. The most humid litter was assessed for the breed Cobb Sasso 175 in the first part of the study (DAMME et al., 2015). Considering the alterations of hock burns, similar observations were made, however no significant differences were detected between the breeds. In the breeds with lower weights (Rowan Ranger and Hubbard JA 957) fewer broilers with skin scratches (12 and 16%) were found than in the heavy breeds Cobb Sasso 175 (34%) and Hubbard JA 987 (46%). In this case, a significant weight effect was detected.

In order to determine the utility of different perches in enriched colony housing systems for laying hens, the use of perches and an effect of the type and location in the system was examined in this behavioral study. Laying hens of the line Lohmann Selected Leghorn were housed in four different enriched colony housing systems which differed particularly in the alignment and arrangement of the functional areas. For analysis, perches were grouped into three types: low, low underneath the drinking trough and high. To evaluate the use of the perch types, video recordings were taken for 48 hours during three observation periods. These recordings were analyzed hourly at daytime and twice at nighttime. Through scan sampling, the overall number of hens using the perches and the fraction of hens per meter on a specific perch type were assessed. At nighttime, an average 62% of the laying hens used the perches. On average, 24% of the laying hens used the perches at daytime, with no significant difference between the different systems. Low perches that were not installed underneath the drinking trough were less commonly used than high perches. However, the hens used low perches that were positioned underneath the drinking trough more than other perch types during the day. At nighttime, high perches were used frequently and, depending on the system, more than the low perches. It should be considered that the hens used the low perches underneath the drinking trough during the day not to rest but rather to have better access to the drinking trough. It can be recommended that a sufficient number of high perches should be offered, so that all hens have access to these obviously preferred perches. If perches are installed underneath the drinking trough, it should be considered if additional perch space should be offered.

Broiler farming is the fastest-growing animal production sector and broiler meat is the second most-consumed meat in the world. The intensification of broiler production often has a negative impact on the meat quality and carcass characteristics. Consumers, however, expect a quality product from animals reared extensively on farms providing good animal welfare, often intuitively associated with extensive farming practices. Therefore, this literature review investigates how the critical factors contributing to the degree of extensiveness of broiler production affect the quality of meat. We used the data from scientific articles published in the years 2012-2021 to analyze the effect of diet (n = 409), genetics (n = 86), enrichment (n = 25), and stocking density (n = 20) on meat quality and carcass characteristics. Minerals and microelements supplementation in the diet improved all the meat quality aspects: sensory, physical, and chemical in most studies. Minerals and enzymes in the diet had beneficial effects on carcass characteristics, unlike feed restriction and ingredient substitutions. The impact of outdoor access on meat quality and carcass characteristics was most frequently examined, in contrast to the use of perches or effects of litter quality. Overall, enrichment did not affect the meat's sensory or physical parameters, but outdoor access improved its lipid composition. Lower stocking density deteriorated intramuscular fat content, decreased tenderness and juiciness, yet lowered cooking and drip loss, and increased carcass and breast muscle yields. When it comes to genetics, in general, slow growing broiler strains have better meat quality parameters, especially regarding yellowness (b*), redness (a*), cooking and drip loss. Our review shows that the factors which contribute to extensiveness of broiler production systems and birds' welfare also affect meat quality and the carcass characteristics.